PICS: PSNI release images after raids across Belfast linked to UVF
Police searches across the Greater Belfast area on Monday and Tuesday have led to the seizure of ÂŁ32,000, weapons and UVF paraphernalia.
Last updated 12th Sep 2017
A total of 14 searches were carried out by over 100 officers.
That was part of investigations into criminal activity linked to the north Belfast UVF.
Two men, 39 and 56, and a woman aged 56, were arrested on Monday and are being questioned at Musgrave.
Detective Inspector Heather Whoriskey said: “This two-day operation, involving around 100 officers, demonstrates the PSNI’s commitment to tackling all types of criminality linked to paramilitaries.
“Seven properties were searched yesterday and a further six were searched today during which officers seized approximately £32,000 of cash, around 9,000 contraband cigarettes, imitation firearm, money lending ledgers, UVF paraphernalia including flags, fleeces, belt buckle and ties, computers and mobile phones. We also confiscated furniture, three vehicles and 24 airsoft rifles under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Crusaders FC have sought to make Seaview a welcoming and open venue to all and have no truck with paramilitarism, from whichever quarter. Our members, supporters, staff and players come from all communities. The high profile search operation could have occurred with our consent at any time, without smearing the club's or the stadium's reputation.
“While these searches and arrests focused specifically on the North Belfast UVF, we will continue to target all paramilitary groups and disrupt their illegal activities which only serve to blight the communities they operate in.
“These people target the most vulnerable members of their communities – people who are struggling to make ends meet or perhaps those who have an addiction and need help. The stark reality is that they are not helping but instead exerting control and fear over them.
The PSNI action has damaged Crusaders FC. We can only redouble our efforts to ensure that Seaview remains a welcoming, open and inclusive venue for players, spectators and visitors alike.
“This is why we are committed to disrupting these types of criminal activities - including money lending, drugs and firearms offences, selling counterfeit goods as well as paramilitary style attacks - and the paramilitaries behind them.
“These criminals are a blight on society and the communities they exert their control over. We are working hard to rid our communities of the paramilitary groupings but we need your help.
“I understand that people feel afraid to speak out against these paramilitaries, but police need information from local people – as we will act on information we receive. It may not always be visible and immediate but please be assured that every piece of information is assessed and acted on."
Searches were also carried out at Crusaders Football ground, with the club saying that action by the PSNI had damaged their reputation.
A statement on the Crusaders website read: "On Monday 11/9/2017 between 2-15pm and 6-15pm officers of the PSNI carried out a search at the premises of Crusaders FC.
"The sole items confiscated were a flag and a baton, both items which had been removed from away fans at a recent NIFL League match as part of routine match-day management.
"Crusaders FC are perturbed and cannot comprehend the actions of the police in carrying out such a reputationally damaging action in such a public manner.
Crusaders FC have sought to make Seaview a welcoming and open venue to all and have no truck with paramilitarism, from whichever quarter. Our members, supporters, staff and players come from all communities.
"The high profile search operation could have occurred with our consent at any time, without smearing the club's or the stadium's reputation.
"The PSNI action has damaged Crusaders FC. We can only redouble our efforts to ensure that Seaview remains a welcoming, open and inclusive venue for players, spectators and visitors alike."